Bookreviewers.org
“In reading Nana, My Grandmother, Anne Gillis, I knew it would be a very personal story by Robert Gillis, but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact that it would have upon me. The pages depict a very special relationship between the author and his remarkable grandmother whom he called “Nana.” Sadly, in today’s global society, many families are separated by great distances, and the youth often don’t have the opportunity to really get to know their grandparents. Even if they have the opportunity, I wonder how many take advantage of it–if they truly understand what they could glean from these wise senior citizens whose minds hold family secrets and intriguing stories regarding their heritage. Grandparents are a living legacy; however, love, time and communication are necessary to reap the benefits. Robert Gillis proves this to be true.
The author begins by taking readers to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where he provides them with the family lineage for Nana beginning with her grandparents. He describes the rural, farming village of Glendale where Nana was born on May 20, 1902. The background of the family is presented interestingly enough to appeal to all readers which demonstrates the author’s talent and is pertinent to understanding Nana as well as the other family members. Mr. Gillis is obviously proud of his heritage and plans a future visit to Glendale.
Nana, at the age of 17, left her homeland and went to the United States with her older sister Mary. In Boston she did secretarial work and cooked and cleaned for rich families. Because Nana worked hard and saved her money, she was able to send for her parents in 1929. Other than one brother, all the surviving Gillis children–as well as an uncle–eventually moved near Boston.
Nana’s only son, Robert Joseph Gillis, was born on March 7, 1937 in Medford, Massachusetts. Because Nana was never married, most of the circumstances regarding Bobby’s birth remained a mystery. People in the 1930’s were unforgiving toward unwed mothers; therefore, it took a strong woman to keep and raise her son, especially with her time restraints and work schedule. She referred to herself as Miss Gillis and referred to Robert as her nephew. Sadly the two of them were never close; however, with the passage of time, though Nana did not openly display affection toward her son, there were signs of veiled love.
In 1941 Nana, who had training as a nurse, purchased a large house in Dorchester–a beautiful mansion where she and Bobby would live. However, this intelligent and hard-working woman also had other plans for the 12-room house on 10 Trull Street. After making the necessary renovations, she operated it as Uphams Corner Rest Home which was a boarding home for elderly persons. Nana worked unceasingly as she bathed and dressed patients, fed them home-prepared meals, washed their clothes in a washtub, and dealt with city inspectors who always found clean and healthy patients. Despite the challenges, this determined woman did very well financially and was extremely generous when it came to loaning money to family members. In 1965 she went out of business and began renting rooms in the home to tenants.
Nana’s son Bobby married a lovely woman named Marguerite in January of 1964–a woman Nana truly liked and one who would help look after her in her later years. Then Bobby, Jr., the author of this book, and his sister Theresa were born. When little Bobby was five or six, his grandmother offered to pay him some small change if he would bring newspapers to her home during the weekdays. He agreed and the ten minute visits were the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship that developed between the two of them. When he was older, Bobby, Jr. worked alongside his father who had been doing most of the work in maintaining the house on 10 Trull Street. Though he didn’t graduate from high school, the older Bobby could fix anything and, despite his lack of parental supervision while growing up, he was a sensitive and kindhearted man. This reviewer saw many examples of these same qualities in his mother. After the older Bobby died, his son took over the upkeep of Nana’s house.
Regardless of how busy his schedule was, Bobby managed to spend quality time with his grandmother, listening to her tell the same intriguing stories over and over, taking her on trips, helping her shop and, of course, making repairs on her home. Many of his wonderful memories were–and still are–associated with 10 Trull Street, and readers will enjoy his description of the various activities that took place there.
This book is extremely well-written and contains valuable information as to how one can help senior citizens with their needs. The author loved his grandmother, recognizing her exceptional qualities and acknowledging that–like all of us–she wasn’t perfect. He helped her when she was recovering from an illness or accidental injury; he made tough decisions when he realized that she could no longer care for herself. At the appropriate time, Bobby–though his heart was aching–gave her permission to let go of this life so that she could be with other family members in Heaven. This sweet and inspiring book is one that entire families will enjoy. Just as Nana gave so much to her grandson, he gives so much to readers.”
— Bettie Corbin Tucker, for Independent Professional Book Reviewers www.bookreviewers.org
John A. Kennedy
John A. Kennedy, CD, FSA Scot (jak.cb@sympatico.ca), who kindly wrote to tell me one of the site’s pictures was mis-labeled read the book and sent this very nice email:
“Hi Robert,
I just finished reading your book on your grandmother it was very interesting to say the least. When I put it down I couldn’t wait until I read the next chapter. You never mentioned if she ever went back to Glendale in her later years.
My mother always said that Uncle David was her favorite. Neil C. (Annie’s brother) use to come to Inverness to visit Mom. I use to see him at my aunt’s in Mabou.
Recently I met a man from Glendale who knew the Gillis family. He told me Neil C. was a “moonshiner” and had some brushes with the RCMP. He was not much of a farmer. We laughed at some of the tales he told.
I noticed in Annie’s address book of Josephine Gillis, Mann Ave. Inverness. She was married to my uncle Angus Gillis. They had worked in Boston all their lives but retired to Inverness. They are both dead now and buried in Stella Maris cemetery in Inverness. There are stories of when they went home to Cape Breton Angus would park his car and he and his brother in Mabou would hitch up the wagon & drive to Glendale to visit Neil C. and his moonshine.
There were fourteen in my Mother’s family, seven boys & seven girls, the last of the family Margaret died in Millnocket, Maine last Christmas. She had lived there most of her life.
Again Robert thanks for the book. It was a good read.
Best regards. John”
Laureen House
“I just want you to know that I cried on the way to work today. I cried from just outside of Sharon, into Boston. You are a wonderful grandson!!!! You have done her a great service during her life and beyond.
I have always been honest when I say I am lucky to have a friend like you, now I know more of why I am so lucky.
Obviously you reached this reader, which makes a book work. Great job!
Honored to be your friend,
Laureen ”
[Laureen House later added… ]
“My boss is currently reading Nana. She says that she is enjoying the book very much. But the one thing that is sticking out to her right now is your Dad. How he was someone revere as much, even more so than Nana. She wants to know when there will be a book about him.
She also wanted to know if now that you don’t live with your parents, do you visit them as often as you did Nana. She sounded like she hadn’t gotten to the part where your Dad was declining in health, so I didn’t say much in that regard.
We did talk about how Nana treated your Dad, she feels as if Nana blamed him. That she should have been kinder to him. Also, the admiration that he stayed on the good side of things. He lived in a neighborhood that continued to breed the undesirables, yet he stayed away from that and focused on being a supportive son.
We talked a bit more, but that is all I have time to write for now.”
— Laureen House, Foxboro
Allbooks Reviews
“In the 1930’s being a single mother was not only shocking, it was a challenge overcome by only the strongest of women. Anne Gillis was such a woman, and with her stubborn determination she managed to take care of her and her son’s financial needs, and went on to leave an indelible imprint on the next generation as well.
Robert Gillis has written an extraordinary tribute to his uniquely lovable grandmother, Anne Gillis. The story follows her from her birth in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, through her years as a dutiful nurse to the elderly as the soul proprietor of Uphams Corner Rest Home, to the humorous and bittersweet final years of her life. With great pride and honesty, the author does a remarkable job of remembering and relating the part of the story that occurs during his childhood as if he were still using the eyes of a child. It is also with great skill that he captures the poignant moments near the end of a life well lived, as well as the grief of those who have been deeply affected by it.
Biography can often be a difficult genre: to produce an enjoyable and moving book, the author needs to have true passion for his subject. There is no doubt Robert Gillis has the required intense-love, and the result is that the reader is privileged to call Anne Gillis a new friend.
Robert Gillis lives in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where he works as a computer programmer and writer for a local paper.
A wonderfully sweet book, I strongly recommend it.”
— Nancy Morris
Allbooks Reviews
Wendy Kerchoff
“Please bear with me as it is hard to see the computer screen through my tears! I apologize for any typos that may occur because of it!
What a beautiful story. It was a wonderful “peek” into your life, and I appreciate that! It takes courage to open up your life like that, not only to the people that know you, but to the people you have never met before. Not everyone can do that! I don’t think I could!
Your book touched me in so many ways. I lost my Nana Ann in February of 1996. She was a lot like your Nana. A real spitfire of a lady. Independent, strong willed… only my Nana’s mouth was rough; she could have made a truck driver blush with what came out! Your book made me reflect on MY relationship with her, what did I really know about her life? She didn’t talk much about her childhood or her life. In the last few years of her life she would tell us stories that would make our head’s swirl … one of five kids. How I wish I had taken the time to get more stories from her. Tape record our visits as you did with your Nana.
Your book also got me thinking of my Nana Helen. She is 84 years old and lives only in Stoughton. Bob, I don’t see her enough, and your book made me realize how precious she is to me. How a simple ride only 15/20 minutes away is so easy for me to do! She won’t be there forever! So for that I thank you. I thank you because I vow here and now to spend more time with her. To take the kids over there for no reason at all but a hug and a cup of tea. She means so much to me; I’m not ready to give my time with her up.
Thank you Bob for a touching story. It was special. It made me cry… a lot! Your Nana would be so proud of you… although I have the feeling she already was! I’ve said it before Bob, you are an amazing writer. I enjoy reading your articles in the Reporter. You have such a sense of humor that I truly enjoy! I look forward to another book someday… I’m so proud to have your book and to say that I know you!
Thank you again Bob… I enjoyed reading about your relationship with your Nana and all that you both encountered in life.
🙂 Wendy”
Wendy added this a few days later…
“And just so you know I wasn’t blowing fluff about spending time with my Nana Helen. I called her at 9:30 this morning and she came over and spent an hour with us. I told her it was just the beginning….
THANK YOU FOR THAT!!!
🙂 ”
— Wendy Kerchoff, Foxboro
Linda McCoy
“I read your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a wonderful tribute. A terrific journey through the turbulence of life of a purposeful woman. You have every right to be proud of her. You had a great opportunity to be such a close part of her life for so long. It was amazing to watch both your characters develop and progress through the decades. Good work!
I can identify because I also grew up in my grandparents’ home. ”
— Linda McCoy, President of Friends of Foxboro Seniors, Inc.
Nancy Williams
“The meeting was great last night. You inspired some heartfelt conversation. Lots of us remembering how we lost our loved ones. What we did do for them or how we could have done more.
I really enjoyed your book. I thought it was going to be all fluff but soon realized your Nana to be a down to earth person with her faults as well as her wonderful attributes. ”
— Nancy Williams, Foxboro
Tom Whiffen
“I think the Title should have been “Me and Nana” – The book was about 80% of your personal relationship with your grandmother, which was perfectly fine except when I first saw the title… I thought it was going to be about Anne Gillis and her relationship to everyone. Obviously, I realize YOU wrote the book so that is the voice the book would be in. But, I think your legacy to her is you have “memorialized” what she meant to you… not what Anne Gillis meant to the world.
It seemed all through the book…you were just too good of a grandson! I went through a similar situation with my grandmother when my mother died. I was the legal guardian and the only family member who took care of her. As much as I loved being with her…there were times I felt burdened by having to “take care” of her…and I was only there 3-4 times a week and for only 2 years! It seemed as though you must have had a negative feeling or two somewhere along the way…I was waiting for that moment when you “opened up” and let us all know you were human when it came to your dedication to her.
When reading about Nana’s death… I had a real hard time… You captured the moment and put us all in your shoes where I was truly hurting for you. It brought back a flood of memories of my mother and grandmother and my being there at the end.
The honesty of what your grandmother was really like. Not the apple pie and cheek squeezing type, but the hard working, Scarlet Letter wearing and straight shooting matriarch. That was refreshing (although depressing at times.) I think most people would have glossed over the faults.
The fact that you actually published a book really impresses me…I have wanted to write a book for years and have written miles of pages to no avail. It is so much harder than it sounds. You are able to say that you wrote and published a book and that is truly impressive. It also means alot to me to say I am good friends with a published author. : )
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who knows you or is dealing with an elderly loved one.
That’s about it from me… Congratulations again!
Tom
P.S. We spent over an hour of book club discussing your book and maybe 20 minutes discussing the Agatha Christie book. Good, heartfelt criticism was shared and an overall consensus where everyone was glad they read the book. ”
— Tom Whiffen, former president Foxboro Jaycees (and very active member of the Jaycees) on his impressions after the Jaycee Book Club meeting to discuss reading “Nana”
Aaron Sylvia
“…I think [the book] ends shortly (just a couple of months) before we met at State Street, and though I may have had some idea, I wasn’t even close to knowing what you were going through. I am happy and sad by what you experienced. I reread that statement and I wonder how that can be. Happy that you had such a great relationship and both of you were obviously better people because of it. Sad because you suffered so much from the loss. Great job as usual!”
— Aaron Sylvia, Berkley, Massachusetts
Bob Shea
“Wonderful reading! I did not skip a word. I would love to join you when you travel to visit your roots. I have met folks from that area in my travels and found them to be hard working, warm loving folks.
You have shared a remarkable relationship with Nana and can look back with great pride that you made her life happier because of your unselfish devotion and love. Thanks for sharing.”
— Bob Shea, our dear friend from ocala Florida and Foxboro
Cathy MacLean
I have just read your wonderful story of your Nana. I want to tell you that your caring and your love for your Nana is most remarkable. She was indeed a strong and smart lady to have gone away so young and yet to have supported your Dad and herself so well… You did honor to her memory and besides told a warm story of life as it is. Your stories of Cape Breton in the old days too are so accurate… Yes indeed, you must come to see us for yourself. A visit to Glendale would set the stage for another book! Come to Lake Ainslie too. I would like to meet you.
— Cathy Mac Lean, Lake Ainslie, Whycocomagh, Cape Breton NS
Jack Authelet
“Over the past few weeks, I have been fascinated while getting to know a most remarkable lady, one Anne Gillis, your beloved Nana.
How fortunate she is to have a grandson who loves her so much, and who did such a remarkable job penning a tribute to her and how she touched the many lives around her.
Your effort reflects so much more than a grandson’s tribute to someone he loved so dearly. Your story is a finely crafted social commentary on the times, the social norms, the hardscrabble life and the oft unheralded influence of dedicated women of those times who worked so hard to hold everything together.
What little you told me about your literary effort prior to asking me to review a copy did nothing to prepare me for its content. This isn’t simply a man recalling his devotion to someone very special in his life: it is a slice of Americana at its intimate, detailed, loving best.
The only time I had the urge to pick up the editor’s blue pen was direct quotes made so many years ago, but then my mind went back to her prolific notes, etc. and I said yes – that was possible. Even if it wasn’t, don’t change anything for fear of breaking the spell. It is a finely crafted narrative and you have the perfect mix of voice, tone and measure. Don’t screw it up!
Well done, Bobby Gillis. There will be a lot of smiles over this one: the broadest will be on the face of a white-haired old darling you called Nana.
Good luck. Thanks for the opportunity to meet such a remarkable lady. ”
— Jack Authelet, former editor of the Foxboro Reporter, author of many published books and Foxboro’s town historian
Dolores Fineberg
“I’ve finally got my hands on a copy of your book from Coles.
I have to say I could not wait to comment on it until I was finished. I have not been able to put it down! It just draws you into the story and life as if you were having a cup of tea and reminiscing about a family member.
What grabs me most, Robert, is your down to earth honesty. It shows how human we all can be and we love and forgive each other in spite of our shortcomings.
You really “got” what your grandmother was all about at a young age.
Your writing style makes me feel like I am opening a front door, going in and sitting in front of a crackling fire.
I will give you my final analysis when I finish, which at this rate will be very soon.
***
Hi Robert,
I am writing, as I promised, to give you complete feedback now that I have finished your book. Well done! I was not disappointed.
What a wonderful journey you shared through your days with your Nana. I cannot believe the devotion you showed her by your visits and helping her around the house as your father had done.
That you also had frustrating moments with her, made it all the more honest and human. You did not put yourself up on a pedestal and told it as it really was.
I admired your Grandmother Anne’s strength of character and compassion for the elderly. That came through so strong in your book and it was obviously a trait she was able to pass along to you. It must have been so hard being a single Mom in those days and difficult to show her son love. Although you could tell she loved your Dad in her own way. She reminded me of my Mom in that sense.
The book was very therapeutic for me actually, which surprised me.
What really touched me the most is family helping family and you allowing your Nana to talk of old days gone by. That’s hard to do when you are young. My 23 year old daughter rolls her eyes at me and my son just commented the other day how every story begins with died dead, or obituary LOL.
I always loved my elders telling stories.
Genealogy is a game of patience and I enjoy every step of the way and love helping find something for someone not related to me. It is very fulfilling.
I am proud to have your book in my collection . Who knows maybe we link somewhere along the line. I had a Christy Macphee, actually married to a Peter Gillis. She also moved to the states.
Take care Robert.”
— Dolores Fineberg, Cape Breton, NS
Allene MacPherson Goforth
Hello Robert,
I came across your wonderful website this morning and plan to purchase your book soon. I have just realized that we have a distant connection. Nana’s brother Neil Charles married Flora Agnes MacPherson, daughter of DUNCAN MacPherson of Black River (from his second marriage to Maria Beaton). Duncan’s brother DONALD was my g-grandfather. Both Duncan and another brother JOHN were married twice, and both were married the first time to MacKillop women who were first cousins. John’s second wife was none other than Mary Anne Gillis, daughter of Donald, who was the brother of Angus Gillis (Neil C’s grandfather).
I tell you, those of us who serve as family genealogists for the old Cape Breton Scottish families have our work cut out for us. Just piecing together the above paragraph was making my head spin!
I was born in Sydney and raised in the East Bay area of Cape Breton. My father’s line is the one from Inverness County. My mother was a MacAdam from MacAdam’s Lake, near East Bay, and her mother was a Gillis from Gillis Lake, a few miles from MacAdam’s Lake. Those Gillises were from Morar and have distant connections to some of the Southwest Margaree Gillises and closer ones to the Ben Eoin (near East Bay) Gillises, as well as those in Mira. Cape Breton is still “back home” for me, even after 40 years away.
I lived in Boston back in the late 60s and early 70s. My late uncle, Duncan MacPherson (grandson of the aforementioned Donald) was living on Adams Street, near Field’s Corner in those days.
I think you’d enjoy Cape Breton. It’s a very beautiful place and has its own culture apart from the rest of the province. Mid-to late August is a good time to visit if you don’t mind getting swiped by the occasional hurricane. Except for hurricanes, the weather is generally better during that period of late summer.
I look forward to reading your book in 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Keep in touch!
Best wishes,
Allene MacPherson Goforth
Viola, Idaho
Anne Gillis [no relation]
“I finished reading your book a few weeks back but was delayed in writing you as my third and last brother passed away following surgery. In recalling the life of your beloved Nana Anne, the first thought that came to my mind was your recall of events that you were involved in which spanned so many years and your ability to draw on the past which occurred long before you were born. Second thought was your steadfast devotion which had to take its toll on you especially when you were a college student and juggling studies, work and caring for your Nana Anne.
I can understand your depression after she passed away and I wonder if your Nana didn’t suffer from depression herself, as she was a person who was so motivated in her first half century on this earth and then, as many people do seem to do, fail to take comfort in the memories of the past and the family who were so close, and just slide into a funk. I felt sad for you and even sadder for her.
I feel indeed blessed that in nearing my 85th birthday, and widowed at age 57, I have been able to be independent, in fact I take pride in that and live alone in the 17th century home which was scheduled for demolition when we bought it in 1948. My 2 sons stop by and call, as do my grandsons who live in the area. The day may come when I will need to rely on them, but it is my hope the day is far in future.
I have friends who have no support family and I feel for them. Your Nana Anne Gillis was indeed blessed.
You’ll love Cape Breton. Don’t wait too long as it is slowly losing its uniqueness. ”
— Anne Gillis [no relation] Westbridgewater, Mass.
Allbooks feature of the month
Nana, my grandmother Anne Gillis” was named “Memoirs Feature of the Month” for January 2007. The book received a five-star review from reviewer Nancy Morris at Allbooks Reviews.
Bernadine MacDonald
Hello Robert, Just finished reading your book Nana. Great job you should be very proud of yourself. It was very interesting and heartwarming, hard to put down once you got started.
I admire the great love you had for your Grandmother as one does not see this very often. I have only one daughter and can only hope to have a grandchild one day (but not too soon) to share such a special bond with.
After growing up in Port Hawkesbury when you spoke about Glendale it was just like I was there. Things haven’t changed that much. After we moved back here from Ontario in 1994 Glendale was where I wanted to settle. My spouses work left us living in Westville. About one hour away from family. Cape Breton is a wonderful place and hope one day you will get to see that for yourself.
Danny Gillis
From: Danny Gillis
Hi Robert,
I have just ordered your book Nana through Amazon. I’ll be very interested to read it.
I have always had an interest in genealogy and just today came across quite an extensive Family tree of the Gillises descending from Iain MacPheadair Gillis, a pioneer who settled In Cape Breton in 1801. I don’t know who compiled the family tree but thought that you might since you have an interest and your book is referenced in the endnotes.
Like you I also decided to write a book for a loved one, my father, Danny Gillis, after he died in 1998. I just made thirty copies, enough for close family. You were more ambitious! Good for you.
I am from Antigonish Nova Scotia and was born near Port Hood Cape Breton. My mom and dad (Danny Gillis) were both from that area, not far from where the first Gillis (Iain MacPheadair Gillis) who came from Scotland settled down. So you and I are related – fourth or fifth cousins at best I suppose but related nonetheless. You may know of my father. He was quite well-known in the Port Hood area and moved back there from Antigonish when he retired. I am less well-known, ha ha.
I’ll let you know how my visit with Duncan goes. I’m looking forward to meeting him.
Take care and thanks again for the very timely information!
Danny Gillis
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Hi Robert,
Well, I was able to visit Duncan at his apartment in St. Lambert. I had about an hour and a half and a couple of drinks with him. He gets a round pretty good (shuffles fast) and was really focused on what I was there for. His memory is shaky on some things but really sharp on others. I told him thanks from you. The family tree he’s created is quite a gem. The one he has on his home computer is really interactive. You can click on names and notes on those names will appear when you click. There was even a note for me, one that I was surprised any one knew about. I have no idea where he got that note and neither does he J. Duncan plans to send me a CD of the family tree which I hope will also allow me to make notes and add to it. He also gave me the name for a guy in Ottawa, Allan Gillis, who is a genealogy expert. I may get a chance to visit him this summer when I go to Ontario.
All in all a nice visit and a great series of coincidences that led to it! Thanks for your part in it.
Happy Fenway Day, by the way, I see the 100th anniversary game is tonight. I booked tickets on line yesterday for a Sox-Indians game on May 12th when I go to pick up my son. His exams end that day so it will be a nice way to celebrate.
Take care,
Danny
Ann Varnerin Barry
Hello Robert,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your family and the neighborhood that my sisters and I grew up in. I remember your father as a kind and gentle man who was always pleasant to all he met. He certainly was a devoted son and father. Your book was a tremendous testimony to his love and devotion for your family. I wish that I had know more about him back then.
Your Dad worked in my Uncle Al’s A & M Market. Albert Varnerin passed away on February 12, 2010. His wife, Marion Varnerin, passed away on August 25th of this year. I am the second daughter of John and Louise Varnerin. Both of my parents worked at the store at different times and knew your father. They spoke very highly of him. John was Al’s brother who passed away when we were children. My sisters are Maureen Varnerin McKean, Ellen Varnerin, and Lisa Varnerin. Lisa gave me your story and I passed it on to Ellen and Maureen. Please let us know if you write another book, as it was a wonderful walk down memory lane. Many thanks!
Ann Varnerin Barry
Gregory Tasonis
Hi Robert,
Doing some online searching for our year at BC High and found your touching page on Father Pelletier. Tempus fugit. We were truly lucky to have had to chance to learn from and know so many of our teachers
there. Wish I still had my yearbook. I still keep in touch regularly with a few of the guys. Great memories.
I bought your book “Nana”. Loved it. I completely understand your relationship. My Nana pretty much took care of me from 6 to late in our Junior year. Had an incredibly hard time after her death. I wouldn’t even have graduated in 83 if not for all the love and support I got from the BC High community.
Glad to see you’re doing so well and following your dreams.
“Ut Cognoscant Te” my friend.
Gregory Tasonis
Marybeth Oliver
Bobby my friend! I finished your book. I love a story that makes me have a good cry and this one did. I was sad to hear that my childhood home had a fire but excited to see my name in print (strange). My daughter is reading it now, she had that kind of relationship with my mom…and I identified more with your dad… lol
Marlene MacDonald Cheng
I grew up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a and have lots of Gillis relations in Antigonish County and in Cape Breton as well. This book brings back fond memories of my paternal Grandfather, John Hugh MacDonald, who was like your Nana to me. Thanks for bringing back my memories of my wonderful Grandpa. He spoke Gaelic too, and had many hardships as a child because his mother died in childbirth with her tenth child; she was only 38 years old.
I love the way your words flowed out of you – so close to your heart that you almost didn’t have time to think. You brought me to tears on many occasions by the depth of your passion for your lovely Nana.
The Gillis families of eastern Nova Scotia are in the forefront of my mind these days. I would love to correspond with you and perhaps we can share more memories of yours and mine.
God bless you, Susan and your children. I am sure they bring you great joy, as you did to your parents and Nana.
Marlene MacDonald Cheng
Victoria BC Canada